Kuksha of the Kiev Caves

He was canonized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church for his work in spreading Christianity among the Vyatichi in present-day Kaluga, Ryazan, and Tula oblasts of Russia.

[1] Being a monk at Kiev Pechersk Lavra, he left to preach the Gospel to idol-worshippers, the Vyatichi.

Impressed by his powers and rendered receptive by his preaching, the Vyatichi began to convert and accept baptism.

Priests of the Vyatichi, furious over the destruction of their idols, decapitated Kuksha and his pupil.

The memory of Kuksha, his follower, and Pimen the Faster is celebrated at the Lavra on the days of their deaths, 27 August O.S.